Clinical Research Specialist II

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Time as Reported / Per Diem

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

As Scheduled

Department:

400626 Psychiatry M&D Research

Work Shift:

UR - Rotating (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 108 H

Compensation Range:

$24.91 - $34.87

Responsibilities:

We are seeking a time-as-reported (10 – 15 hours), bilingual (American Sign Language and English) interventionist to work remotely on a randomized clinical trial (RCT), funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), focused on a cognitive behavioral intervention to promote treatment-seeking among Deaf adults with mental health disorders. The interventionist will have clinical training (e.g., social work, counseling, psychology), background knowledge of Deaf culture and Deaf mental health, and experience in working with diverse Deaf individuals. Under the supervision of the principal investigator (PI), a Deaf licensed psychologist, the interventionist will be trained in providing the intervention under study, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Treatment-Seeking with Deaf Individuals (Deaf CBT-TS). The interventionist will study the manual and materials for the intervention, attend a workshop covering the theoretical background, intervention principles, procedures, and intervention techniques; engage in role-playing exercises, and pass an exam with a mock participant. After completing training, the interventionist will provide the intervention to the participants assigned to the intervention group (n = 55) and record notes from all sessions. All study activities, including the intervention sessions, will be conducted via Zoom, and participants will be recruited nationally. All intervention sessions will be recorded for supervision purposes. The interventionist will receive weekly (and as needed) supervision from the PI and attend weekly team meetings with the study team (e.g., PI, interventionists, and research coordinator). This job requires fluency in ASL, knowledge of and immersion in the Deaf community, clinical skills, interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and preferably commitment for up to 4 years. This is a part-time position (ranging from 10 – 15 hours/week).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Conduct Deaf CBT-TS Intervention Sessions

• Coordinate scheduling of intervention sessions with participants assigned to the intervention group.
• Manage the study email account to appropriately respond to participant inquiries and schedule intervention sessions with participants on Zoom.  
• Conduct the Deaf CBT-TS intervention sessions with Deaf participants assigned to the intervention group (n = 55).
• Utilize interpersonal skills, clinical knowledge, and clinical judgment to develop and maintain rapport, encourage personal disclosure of sensitive material, and follow ethical principles to maintain participant well-being and safety.
• Utilize advanced Deaf cultural knowledge, ASL skills, and clinical judgment to effectively convey necessary information and ensure the participant’s comprehension of the intervention.
• Follow up with participants via email to provide them with a written Action Plan (developed in session), treatment-seeking resources tailored to their needs (discussed in session), and any additional resources requested by the participants.
• Apply advanced clinical reasoning to provide appropriate support, information, and access to services (when needed) to participants in distress.
• Maintain security of study data and follow the study protocol for confidentiality and storage of data.
• Present participation information at weekly meetings with the PI to ensure the well-being and safety of all participants

Training and Supervision

• Complete the Deaf CBT-TS training protocol, which includes reviewing the manual and materials for the intervention; attending a workshop covering the theoretical background, intervention principles, procedures, and intervention techniques; completing role-play exercises; and passing an exam with a mock participant.
• Complete suicide risk assessment and management training with the study PI.
• Attend weekly supervision with the study PI.
• Appropriately respond to any participant safety concerns and seek consultation from the study PI.

Record Keeping, Communication, and Team Coordination

• Complete intervention sheets for all participant intervention sessions in a timely, accurate manner per study protocol.
• File, retrieve, and maintain participant data.
• Actively participate in study team meetings to promote team coordination and cohesion.
• Discuss participant safety and retention information as needed with the PI during weekly meetings.
• Complete, as needed, tasks to support the day-to-day operations of the study.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related mental health field required
• 1 year of experience in clinical work or an equivalent combination of education and experience in clinical work with Deaf individuals (i.e., psychology, social work, counseling, etc.) required

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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• The Interventionist must maintain eligibility to participate in research involving human subjects by completing the Human Subjects Protection Program (HSPP) and NIH’s Good Clinical Practice training. This position also requires participation in available cultural competency training required.
• Fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and capable of adapting to the language needs of diverse Deaf individuals (i.e., signing style variations, language deprivation, etc.) required
• Experience working with the Deaf community required.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with ability to collaborate with others preferred.
• Familiarity with clinical research and IRB procedures preferred.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.